GLENN Hoddle today called on Wolves' depleted ranks to come out firing for the ' sixpointers' to see them through to Christmas still in touch with automatic promotion.

GLENN Hoddle today called on Wolves' depleted ranks to come out firing for the ' sixpointers' to see them through to Christmas still in touch with automatic promotion.

After Friday's trip to Derby, Wolves then tackle Sheffield United, Southampton, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Leeds and Reading in a run of fixtures up to and including Boxing Day.

That's four of the current top six to contend with but, with Hoddle hoping many of the walking wounded will be back in harness by late December, he remains confident Wolves can muster enough decent results to remain in the frame at the business end of the table.

"With the injuries we've got we can only operate at the moment with the squad of players that are fit and those that are maybe off form still have to play," said Hoddle.

"But despite that, and there not being enough pressure on the starting eleven, the aim remains to win enough matches to get promoted.

"We've got some really big games to come but I'm hopeful, particularly at Molineux, that we do better in those sort of games.

"The crowd seem really behind the team from the start and there seems to be a different atmosphere, and the likes of Sheffield, Southampton and Leeds will also bring good support.

"So far that sort of thing hasn't been too unhelpful, as our players seem to respond to the occasion.

"If we could just go on a run over these next eight games, and maybe win five of them, that would put us in a very good position going into the New Year.

"Of course that's a big ask, particularly with the squad as it is at the moment, but it's what we have to strive for and then at Christmas we would hope to have more people back."

Hoddle has already spoken of what would be a "frightening" festive period if still working with the current numbers, but is now upbeat that most if not all of those sidelined could be back.

George Ndah returned to full training yesterday and has an outside chance of making the 16 for Friday, Rohan Ricketts is back working despite some continuing pain in his ankle and Paul Ince is completing most of the training session although with much care.

Ndah and Ricketts could be the first casualties back, with Carl Cort, Kenny Miller, Ince and Michael Oakes not too far behind.

Mark Clyde could also be ready for first team availability within the next month, although Mark Davies is to see a specialist amid concern over his ongoing stomach problem.